"Stress can affect our hearts directly and indirectly," Safi said. "I have seen stress and panic attacks cause heart events." Other heart disease risk factors that can be controlled are high blood pressure, physical inactivity, smoking and diabetes, Safi said.

Dr. Arshad Safi
(courtesy)

Ways to deal with stressors include counting to 10 before speaking; taking deep breaths; walking away from a stressful situation to handle it later; taking a walk; and saying "I'm sorry" if you make a mistake.

Mukherjee said group therapy and socialization, exercise, transcendental meditation and mindful-based intervention can also reduce stress. We need a real support system, people with whom we can confide in and trust, he said, not just people nearby.

Also, exercising releases chemicals in our brains that make us feel happier and more relaxed.

"Call 911 right away if you're having chest pain," Safi said. The faster a blocked artery in the heart can be opened, the better the chance of saving heart tissue.